Report on ISPO MUNICH 2018, Europe's largest outdoor and sports goods exhibition - A collection of items that stimulate material desires and attract attention from the future -

Saturday, February 24th, 2018

LIVALL , Devold of Norway , KOMPERDELL , MY ESEL , FLSK , Bergans of Norway , ICAROS , Peak Performance , myontec , Fischer , HYDRO_BOT , TECNICA , VAUDE , Mountain Equipment , ORTOVOX , Patagonia , POC , MAMMUT , Oakley , SOTO , O-Synce , Advenate , Scott , Talking Head , CEP , ISPO

Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

table of contents

Featured Item Introduction No. 3: Latest Winter Gear
Featured Items No. 4: Latest Outdoor Gear and More
summary

Featured Item Introduction No. 3: Latest Winter Gear

Snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow hiking were the highlights of the exhibition. However, I'm not very knowledgeable about snowboarding in general, and I'm not very good at the technical aspects of skiing, so I only picked out things that I personally wanted. In that sense, it might be a little disappointing for people who are into those things

Scott Backcountry Patrol AP 30

Currently, several avalanche airbag systems are competing to become the standard, but this latest avalanche airbag is the first to feature the "Alpride E1" airbag system, which incorporates a new "supercapacitor" mechanism. It is resistant to low temperatures, operates at temperatures between -30°C and +50°C, has a long lifespan of over 500,000 cycles, and can be recharged in 20 to 40 minutes. What's more, the avalanche system is lightweight, weighing just 2,670 grams

POC Obex SPIN

This versatile snow helmet is lightweight, well-ventilated, and equipped with the patent-pending SPIN padding system for shock absorption. Not only does it perform well, but its color and design remain as beautiful as ever. (ISPO Award)

Oakley Prizm React

This new model uses "Prizm React" technology, which uses a single lens and allows you to adjust the brightness with the push of a button on either side near the temples

KOMPERDELL CARBON-AIR FRAME 25

These snowshoes are made with lightweight, high-strength carbon material, something you've never seen before, and weigh just 600g per shoe

Advenate Hybrid Pro

This is a great product idea. At first glance, it looks like a simple shovel, but it's actually a telescopic avalanche shovel with a built-in probe inside the shaft. It also comes with a two-person shelter, so by combining the shovel, probe, and ski poles, you can instantly set up an emergency shelter. (ISPO Award Gold)

Fischer Ranger Free 130

The new model, compatible with tech bindings, has a 130 flex, an ankle range of motion of 55 degrees, and weighs just 1,500 grams. It combines the gliding performance of alpine ski boots with BC boots, making it a must-have for powder lovers. The design is also great, and although it looks expensive, I want it!

Hillstrike

Just as it looks, this unique winter sports gear combines the fun of skiing and mountain biking. If you could rent it at a ski resort, you'd definitely do it. (ISPO Brandnew)

Featured Items No. 4: Latest Outdoor Gear and More

MAMMUT Nordwand HS Flex Hooded Jacket

This hard shell, made of GORE-TEX®, features new stretch technology around the armpits and other areas, allowing for unprecedented freedom of movement. It's optimized for high-intensity activities such as ice climbing. It's amazing how GORE-TEX® has really come a long way in recent years to meet a wide range of needs. (ISPO Award Gold)

Peak Performance Frost Dry Down Jacket

This down jacket features a luxurious outer texture and a clean design, and is also waterproof. Peak Performance's elegant design still stands out among a number of similar-looking jackets. (ISPO Award Gold)

CEP Ortho Pronation Control Socks

These functional socks feature bonded tape that increases compression, supports the natural movement of the foot, and controls excessive movement. They also stabilize the arch and have excellent quick-drying properties, preventing blisters and other injuries during long-distance running. (ISPO Award Gold)

Devold of Norway Tuvegga

One of the most surprising things at this year's exhibition was the increasing functionality of base layers, such as 3D seamless stitching technology. This particular base layer is made from 100% merino wool and is reversible, with different functions on each side. Surface A prioritizes heat retention, while surface B prioritizes breathability, making it suitable for a variety of activities. (ISPO Award)

GORE-TEX® INFINIUM

GORE-TEX®'s new brand line was created for people who incorporate outdoor style into their daily lives. Utilizing extensive knowledge of "comfort science" that examines how the human body responds to various weather conditions, the surprising thing about this line is that it claims to offer improved performance for greater comfort, not just waterproofing. So, it's like, anything goes! Let's wait and see what it's like

TECNICA Forge S

Heat-molding customization, previously common for ski boot liners, has finally made its way to trekking boots. These latest trekking boots can be heat-molded to perfectly fit each individual foot in less than 20 minutes. I've known about them since last summer, but I finally got to see them in person. They'll be on sale soon, so I'll definitely review them. (ISPO Award Product of the Year)

Mountain Equipment Tupilak

This lightweight, durable, and multi-functional alpine pack features a simple, streamlined design. It's a very popular choice, as it's a lighter and more functional version of the Patagonia Ascensionist

SOTO Stormbreaker

One of the few Japanese manufacturers, SOTO, had a new stove on display that will be released this spring. It's a multi-functional model that can use both liquid fuel and gas cartridges and is extremely wind-resistant. I'm looking forward to reviewing it this season

FLSK

This excellent German-made water bottle has excellent heat and cold insulation properties and a stylish design. It can also hold alcoholic and carbonated drinks

summary

I thought I had narrowed it down quite a bit, but before I knew it, there were so many things I wanted, so this time I ended up introducing more items than ever before

Finally, there is one thing that I found a little disappointing this time as well. While we came across many new products and services that utilize technology from small European countries, including China, and are small in scale but full of the ambition to change the world, there were far too few from Japan, one of the world's leading economic powers and boasting some of the most abundant natural beauty in the world

This is merely my impression, so I have no intention of easily spreading the idea that ``Japan is over'' here, but I was certainly left with a strong feeling that it was a waste, even though such a vibrant and global market is right in front of our eyes

It's not supposed to be a place where only prestigious companies like Descente, Goldwin, Toray, and YKK can finally set up shop. In reality, even the small brands that attract attention often have very rough and shoddy products, so I think that if they have Japanese technology, care, and good taste, they can stand out

Frankly, my overseas reporting, which I do almost always with my own money, ends up in the red, and I honestly don't know if I can continue this way in the future. But every time I go, I'm filled with new inspiration, and once I've experienced the depth of the outdoor (sports) industry in many ways and the excitement of meeting the people who are enthusiastically taking on challenges there, I can't help but feel compelled to experience and share it all again, and I find myself returning. As long as the outdoor industry remains as diverse and vibrant as it is, and as long as I have the energy, I intend to continue, and if you have any individual requests for reports or interviews, I'd be happy to accept them, so please do get in touch. See you at the next exhibition